
5 Best Medical Aids for Farm Workers in South Africa
The 5 Best Medical Aids for Farm Workers in South Africa revealed.
We tested them side by side and verified their medical aid plans.
This is a complete guide to the best medical aid for farm workers in South Africa.
In this in-depth guide you’ll learn:
- ☑️ What is a Medical Aid?
- ☑️ How much does medical aids cover for farm workers?
- ☑️ How affordable are medical aids for farm workers?
- ☑️ Are there medical aids for domestic workers?
- ☑️ Do you get medical aid cover for traumas and accidents as a farm worker?
- ☑️ How do you choose the best medical aid for your family as a farm worker?
So if you’re ready to go “all in” with the best medical aid for farm workers in South Africa, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive right in…
Best Medical Aids for Farm Workers (2025)
🩺 Medical Aid | ✔️ Plans Suitable for Farm Workers? | ⚕️ Plan Offered | 👉 Sign Up |
1. Momentum Medical Aid | Yes | Ingwe Student Option | 👉 Apply Now |
2. Fedhealth | Yes | flexiFED Savvy | 👉 Apply Now |
3. Discovery Health | Yes | KeyCare Plus and KeyCare Start | 👉 Apply Now |
4. Bonitas | Yes | Boncap | 👉 Apply Now |
5. NetCare | Yes | NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover | 👉 Apply Now |
5 Best Medical Aids for Farm Workers in South Africa Summary
- Momentum Health – Overall, Best Medical Aid for Farm Workers in South Africa
- Fedhealth – Best High-Quality, Low-Cost Medical Coverage
- Discovery Health – Top Medical Aid with Condition-Specific Waiting Periods
- Bonitas – Best Customer Service Medical Aid
- NetCare – Best Accident and Trauma Insurance
Understanding medical aid for farm workers
👉 Farm workers are an essential part of the agricultural sector in South Africa. Farm work is typically long and gruelling, and can present several health risks, including the risk of injury.
👉 Farm workers in South African can either buy their own medical aid plan, or have a medical aid plan included in their employment benefits. If the former, such workers would need to find an affordable medical aid plan that takes into consideration the average salary and unique set of health risks.
👉 If the latter, employers would do well to offer comprehensive medical coverage as part of their employment offering, which would offset some of the financial risks of having essential workforce members fall ill or succumb to injury.
👉 Due to rising expenses and reliance on public resources, healthcare is becoming increasingly unaffordable for low-income earners like farm workers.
👉 Such individuals are caught in a “Catch 22” since they can’t pay for private medical care but also can’t afford to wait in line for hours at a public facility and lose out on income.
👉 Employers are increasingly picking up the tab for farm workers’ monthly medical assistance contributions, which is one way they can help close the healthcare gap. It goes without saying that farm workers require reasonable access to medical care.
👉 Members can avoid paying co-payments if they see doctors and hospitals that are part of the medical scheme’s network.
Read more about 5 Best Hospital Plans for Farm Workers in South Africa
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Employers and medical aid for farm workers
👉 The provision of medical benefits to employees is voluntary on the part of employers. It’s a popular perk that companies offer to compensate for a lacklustre base income. Individuals who just have a couple of employees may nonetheless wish to contribute to their medical insurance.
👉 It becomes a cultural norm outside of the home when private employers contribute to a farm worker’s medical aid premium.
👉 Contributing to medical aid for farm workers is a great way to show gratitude and provide additional perks to keep a loyal employee.
👉 A farm worker cannot legally demand that you cover their medical expenses. Yet, in the future, this may no longer be up to the discretion of the employer.
👉 Medical care is a basic human need, thus providing it as a perk for hardworking employees is only fair. Unfortunately, South Africa’s public health system is in dismal shape. A company’s encouragement during this time might do wonders in helping an employee pull themselves out of a down period.
👉 Because paid sick leave is mandated by law in South Africa, some employers may find it more economical to give their farm workers access to quality private health care via the coverage of medical aid.
👉 As a result, people may spend less time sick and less time waiting in line at the clinic. Not to mention the daily occurrences at public hospitals. Employers may also choose to pay for the farm worker’s children’s health insurance.
Read more about Health Insurance for Children
Cost options of medical aid for farm workers
👉 Farm workers are not eligible for reduced rates on medical insurance. Because they all cover the same essentials, the various medical aid plans are essentially interchangeable in terms of price.
👉 It’s up to the employer’s discretion to determine how much money they’ll put towards health insurance.
👉 If you need guidance making this kind of choice, a medical aid broker can be a great asset. Although it’s not required by law, some employers choose to subsidise their workers’ monthly medical aid premiums as a retention strategy.
👉 Both the employer and the housekeeper need to agree on whether or not a full medical aid package is necessary, or if a hospitalization-only policy is adequate. There is a sizable price difference between the two possibilities.
👉 Consumers should know that hospital cash plans are NOT medical aids. A major source of customer dissatisfaction with hospital cash plans is the frequent discovery that private hospital care is not included.
👉 If you have a hospital cash plan as part of your health insurance, you will receive cash for each day you are hospitalised. In South Africa, private hospitals rarely honour these plans as payment in full.
1. Momentum Health
Overview
👉 Momentum Medical Scheme is one of the top three open medical plans in South Africa, and its parent firm is largely regarded as a market leader.
👉 Momentum Health is committed to the plan’s long-term stability and to providing exceptional value to members.
👉 Momentum Health Solutions has a team of medical specialists dedicated to providing you with cost-effective, high-quality care.
👉 Momentum has collaborated with financially motivated medical networks in order to offer for its members. Also, users can contact Hello Doctor at any time for professional medical advice.
👉 The actuarial services provided by Momentum can be utilised to price incentive and reward programmes in order to attract and maintain healthy members.
👉 Momentum advocates using a cutting-edge health coaching approach to help members make informed healthcare decisions and save money.
Momentum Medical Aid Plans Suitable for Farm Workers
👉 Momentum has a variety of affordable, yet comprehensive medical aid plans that are suitable for Farm Workers.
Ingwe Option Plan
👉 Your farm workers and their family can seek medical attention at any hospital they want under this plan, up to an annual maximum. You can only use private Ingwe-affiliated hospitals. Participants must use public health care services to get the lowest premiums.
👉 Unlike many other types of medical aid, the Ingwe plans do not impose a cap on annual medical expenses. The Ingwe network includes both private and public hospitals, allowing you to choose the option that best matches your monthly budget.
👉 All short-term and long-term medical treatment, including prescriptions and doctor visits, must be handled by providers in the Ingwe Active Network or the Ingwe Primary Care Network.
👉 Momentum has a stellar reputation in the medical assistance industry. It is the fifth-largest medical aid provider and the third-largest medical aid plan in the country. There are 2.84 million people who potentially benefit from it, accounting for 3.2% of the market and 5.8% of the uncontrolled sector.
- ➡️ The Ingwe Option Plan is available at R482.00 per month
How Much Are Momentum Health Monthly Premiums?
👉 Momentum monthly premiums start at R1 539 for the main member on the Evolve Option and go up to R12 345 for the main member on the Summit Option.
What Is the Waiting Period for Momentum Health’s Benefits?
👉 The general waiting period is 3 months, but since pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition, it is excluded from all benefits for the first 12 months of scheme membership.
How to Claim Momentum Health Benefits
👉 You can submit a claim in several ways:
- ➡️ Use the Momentum App
- ➡️ Use the web chat facility in the bottom left corner.
- ➡️ Send an email to [email protected] or send normal mail to PO Box 2338, Durban, 4000
👉 To make sure your claim is processed quickly and accurately, include the following information:
➡️ Membership number.
➡️ Principal member’s surname, initials, and first name.
➡️ Patient’s surname, initials, and first name.
➡️ Date of treatment.
➡️ Amount charged.
➡️ ICD–10 code (code to indicate what condition you’ve been diagnosed with), tariff code (product-specific code for procedures and claims), and NAPPI code (unique identifier for a given ethical, surgical, or consumable product).
➡️ Service provider’s name and practice number.
➡️ Proof of payment if you’ve paid the claim out of your own pocket.
Momentum Health Contact Details
201 Umhlanga Ridge Blvd
Cornubia
Blackburn
PO Box 2338
Durban
☑️ Read more about the 5 Best Medical Aids for Domestic Workers in South Africa revealed.
2. Fedhealth
Overview
👉 Fedhealth was founded in 1936 in response to the need for medical treatment in South Africa. While much has changed over the years, their commitment to providing good service at reasonable prices has not.
👉 Fedhealth, being a cooperative that operates for the benefit of its members, is continually looking for new ways to provide healthcare to its members.
👉 Fedhealth emphasises individualization so that you can have a say in creating a healthcare plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Fedhealth goes above and above to meet the requirements of its members in a variety of ways, including exceptional customer service.
👉 Because of the Scheme’s solid financial position, it has retained its AA- Global Credit Rating for the past 14 years and has a reserve for its participants that exceeds the legally mandated 25%.
👉 Fedhealth is well-known not just for its traditional benefits, but also for its innovative Risk-based awards, which increase the value of members’ benefits.
👉 There are no restrictions on seeing doctors within the network of the plan, and you can obtain a free plan upgrade at any point during the year if your medical needs dramatically alter (within 30 days of a major life event).
Fedhealth Medical Aid Plans Suitable for Farm Workers
👉 As a community-orientated medical aid scheme, Fedhealth provides a good selection of medical aid plans that are well-suited to farm workers.
flexiFED Savvy
👉 Because it is both a supercharged savings plan and a supercharged flexible savings plan, flexiFED Savvy is an appealing option for individuals and organisations looking to provide their employees with high-quality, low-cost medical coverage.
👉 It is a daily replacement for traditional medical aid that is tailored to your needs and budget.
- ➡️ flexiFED Savvy is available at R945.00 per month
How Much Are Fedhealth Medical Scheme Monthly Premiums?
👉 The monthly premiums for the salary-banded myFED option is from R 1 275 per month for the main member. The maxima PLUS extensive medical cover will cost from 13 122 per month per main member.
What Is the Waiting Period for Fedhealth Benefits?
👉 The general waiting period for Fedhealth benefits are usually three months, depending on the medical aid scheme you join. The waiting period for pre-existing conditions is 12 months.
How to Claim for Benefits from Fedhealth Medical Scheme
👉 Members can submit claims using one of the following:
- ➡️ On the Fedhealth Family Room,
- ➡️ Through a WhatsApp service
- ➡️ On the Fedhealth Member phone App
- ➡️ You may also email, fax or post the claims to email: [email protected], fax: (011) 671 3842 or post to Private Bag X3045, Randburg, 2125.
Fedhealth Medical Scheme Contact Details
Flora Centre Shop 21 and 22
Corner Conrad street and Ontdekkers Rd
Florida Glen
Johannesburg
Phone: 0861 116 016
☑️ Read more about the 5 Best Hospital Plans for Domestic Workers in South Africa revealed.
3. Discovery Health
Overview
👉 Discovery Health Medical Plan (DHMS) had 2,808,106 members as of December 31, 2019, according to the Commission for Medical Schemes Quarterly Report for the quarter ended 30 June 2019.
👉 Discovery is governed by the non-profit Council for Medical Schemes and the Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998. Because the System is a public healthcare system, anyone who meets the qualifications can enrol.
👉 The Scheme’s every choice is motivated by a desire to assist its participants. Discovery is able to balance the wants of its members with the needs of the Scheme as a whole thanks to a shared set of ideals.
👉 Members of the Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS or the Scheme) in South Africa have their medical bills paid by a centralised fund that is managed with a commitment to social solidarity rather than financial gain.
Discovery Health Medical Aid Plans Suitable for Farm Workers
👉 Discovery Health offers an affordable medical aid plan suitable for the needs of farm workers.
Discovery KeyCare Plans
👉 KeyCare’s hospital networks offer comprehensive medical protection. Hospitalization costs are reimbursed in full for KeyCare network specialists and up to 100% of the Discovery Health Rate for all other doctors and facilities (DHR).
👉 Expectant moms and new-borns are given special attention both during and after pregnancy.
👉 Both KeyCare Plus and KeyCare Start include unlimited primary care visits as well as lab work, X-rays, and prescriptions within the KeyCare network.
👉 When you visit a participating provider, KeyCare provides full coverage for all diseases on the KeyCare Chronic Disease List (DSP). The level of protection you receive is determined by the policy you choose.
- ➡️ Discovery KeyCare Start is available at R1,239.00 per month
How Much Are Discovery Medical Aid Monthly Premiums?
👉 Monthly premiums start from R1,102 per member for the KeyCare Series with medical cover for both in-hospital and out-of-hospital treatment by providers in a specified network and goes up to R10,303 per member for the Executive Plan with extensive cover for in-hospital and day-to-day benefits, extended chronic medicine cover, and unlimited Above Threshold Benefit.
What Is the Waiting Period for Discovery Medical Aid’s Benefits?
👉 Discovery Health Medical Scheme’s general waiting period is 3 consecutive months and the condition-specific waiting period is 12 consecutive months.
How to Claim for Discovery Medical Aid Benefits
👉 You can submit a claim fast and easy in the following ways:
- ➡️ Scan and upload your claims on the website.
- ➡️ Scan and email your claims to [email protected].
- ➡️ Use the Discovery app on your smartphone. If the claim has a QR code, scan the QR code or alternatively take a photo of the claim from within the app.
- ➡️ You can also submit your claims by post.
Discovery Medical Aid Contact Details
PO Box 784262,
Sandton,
2146
Phone: 0860 99 88 77
☑️ Read more about Discovery Health Comprehensive Series
4. Bonitas
Overview
👉 Bonitas’ international credit rating is AA-, and its solvency ratio is 30.7%.
👉 The average Bonitas member is under 30, as are the average Bonitas recipient, resulting in lower annual contribution growth.
👉 Bonitas’ cheap medical aid packages include hospitalisation, long-term care, and prescription drug coverage. This organisation is great for both young workers and those with children in terms of health benefits.
👉 Bonitas, which was founded in 1982, has quickly evolved to become South Africa’s largest medical aid plan, surpassing the previous market leader.
👉 The Bonitas network’s 4,500 medical experts are dedicated to providing their patients with high-quality care at reasonable prices.
👉 To counteract the rising cost of healthcare, Bonitas provides two distinct services to its clients: oncology management and hospital and medicine management.
👉 Many Bonitas plans include Lasik eye surgery as well as other vision and dental care. Each participant can carry over their unused money and earn interest on it the next year.
Bonitas Medical Aid Plans Suitable for Farm Workers
👉 There are affordable medical aid plans available from Bonitas that are suitable for Farmworkers.
Boncap
👉 This plan covers low-cost, income-based medical aid for students who may also work part-time as domestic workers. The Bonitas Boncap Student option allows dependants of full-time students to pay child membership costs until the age of 24.
👉 This plan covers unlimited hospital care at 100% of the Bonitas cost as well as unlimited Doctor consultations as long as network providers are used. Consultations outside of the network and for specialties are also limited.
- ➡️ The BonCap Plan is available from R780.00 per month
What Is the Waiting Period for Bonitas Medical Aid Benefits?
👉 The minimum general waiting period for Bonitas medical aid is three months for all benefits. Some plans, however, have a waiting period of 12 months, especially regarding a pre-existing condition.
How to Claim for Breast Reduction Benefits from Bonitas
👉 You can send in your claim in the following ways:
- ➡️ Email your claims to [email protected].
- ➡️ Post your claims to Bonitas Claims Department, PO Box 74, Vereeniging, 1930.
- ➡️ Submit your claims in person at one of the walk-in centres.
👉 Follow these simple steps to get your claims paid quickly:
- ➡️ Ensure your banking details are correct for refunds by electronic transfer (EFT) into your bank account
- ➡️ Make sure that your account and receipt show your name and initials, membership number, treatment date, the name of the patient as shown on your membership card, amount charged and ICD-10 code.
Bonitas Contact Details
34 Melrose Blvd, Birnam
Johannesburg
2196
Phone for General Queries: 0860002108
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
5. NetCare
Overview
👉 Netcare Limited is a holding company that employs around 29,000 employees through a network of other firms.
👉 The Netcare Group invests in growing and perfecting its capabilities, and it collaborates with the public sector to improve the performance of the national healthcare systems in which it operates.
👉 Netcare’s dedication to its patients, as well as their high standards of professional competence and the quality of care they provide, distinguishes them as a leader among healthcare providers.
👉 NetCare’s innovative product solutions and broad network of providers enable pay-as-you-go access to high-quality, privately administered medical care when it is most required.
👉 Some of NetCare’s new goods can be donated to those in need, while others are intended to assist you and your loved ones in meeting your own healthcare needs.
👉 Their prepaid services are designed to help with basic healthcare needs while also providing safety nets in the event of an unforeseen injury or illness.
👉 Netcare is the place to go in South Africa for private hospitals, primary care, emergency medical services, and kidney treatment.
👉 Netcare 911 provides emergency medical services, National Renal Care provides renal dialysis, Akeso provides mental health and psychiatric therapies, and Medicross provides primary healthcare, subacute care, day surgery, occupational health, and employee wellness services.
👉 Netcare is also the greatest private institution in the country for training emergency medical and nursing workers.
NetCare Medical Aid Plans Suitable for Farm Workers
👉 Farm Workers can find affordable healthcare coverage at NetCare for medical emergencies.
NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover
👉 NetcarePlus Accident and Trauma Insurance will pay for necessary medical care at any of a vast variety of private hospitals and contracted institutions in the case of an accident or trauma.
👉 Accidents, assaults, and falls are just a few of the physical consequences covered by this medical aid, providing peace of mind to individuals without insurance.
- ➡️ NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover is available from R240.00 per month
How Much Are Netcare Medical Scheme’s Monthly Premiums?
👉 NetCare Accident and Trauma Cover is available from R240.00 per month.
What Is the Waiting Period for NetCare Benefits?
👉 Depending on the medical aid scheme you join, the average waiting period for NetCare benefits is three months. Pre-existing conditions have a 12-month waiting period.
How to Claim for Benefits from NetCare Medical Scheme
👉 Members can submit claims using one of the following:
- ➡️ Select a product you would like to submit a claim for
- ➡️ Email NetCare at [email protected]
NetCare Medical Scheme Contact Details
76 Maude Street,
Corner West Street,
Sandton,
2196
Phone: 0860 638 2273
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hospital plan or medical aid better for farm workers?
A hospital plan is a good option for covering medical emergencies or injuries for farm workers, but a medical aid plan will offer more comprehensive coverage.
Do employers have to offer their farm workers a medical aid plan?
Employers are not legally required to offer a medical aid plan to their farm workers, however this could be a useful employment perk that could have many benefits for employers in the long run.
Why is it a good idea for employers to offer a medical aid plan to their farm workers?
Offering a medical aid plan to your employers could increase their retention rate, and could also limit the downtime incurred by the employee having to spend longer times at government hospitals.
How can farm workers get medical aid in South Africa?
☑️ Farm workers in South African can either buy their own medical aid plan, or have a medical aid plan included in their employment benefits. If the former, such workers would need to find an affordable medical aid plan that takes into consideration the average salary and unique set of health risks.
☑️ If the latter, employers would do well to offer comprehensive medical coverage as part of their employment offering, which would offset some of the financial risks of having essential workforce members fall ill or succumb to injury.
Is there a special medical aid plan for farm workers?
Farm workers are not eligible for reduced rates on medical insurance. Because they all cover the same essentials, the various medical aid plans are essentially interchangeable in terms of price.